BISMARCK, N.D. – Gov. Doug Burgum today issued the following statement regarding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to repeal the 2015 Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule.
“The EPA’s decision today to repeal the 2015 WOTUS rule is an important step for local decision-making and a recognition of states’ ability to manage their own waters effectively,” Burgum said. “The 2015 rule created confusion and uncertainty for landowners and local governments by effectively classifying almost every pond, pothole and slough as a federal managed waterway. North Dakotans care deeply about clean water and our state has some of the cleanest water in the nation. We thank EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler for today’s announcement to finalize the repeal of this rule.”
On Feb. 28, 2017, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to begin the process of rescinding or revising the WOTUS rule. Burgum expressed his gratitude for the EPA’s consultation of governors and local leaders in the process of rescinding this rule.